Muslims and the West: Living Together - but how?

The Pew Global Attitudes Survey in 2006 found that Muslims living in Europe are generally positive about the conditions in their host country. Topping “their” as well as “our” list of concerns is unemployment followed by Islamic extremism; additionally, Muslims feel that the influence of secular culture poses a greater threat to their way of living than does the public emergence of Muslim women.

Muslims in the West, especially Muslim women, still perceive a huge divide between themselves and those among whom they live. This view is often reinforced by native Europeans and Americans, who see Muslim immigrants as purposefully isolating themselves from the rest of society.

This conference will furnish a unique platform to gather the voices of Muslim women and men from Europe, Asia and North America. It will provide them with a forum to present their views, their strategies, and their hopes and ambitions.
The Muslim keynote speakers and representatives of young Muslim communities will present their expertise and personal views at a day-long event

We cordially invite you to participate in this unique event! Entrance is free!

Program10.00: Official Opening

Welcome:
U.S. Ambassador Susan McCaw

State Secretary Dr. Hans Winkler, BMEIA

Introduction:
Dr. Edit Schlaffer, Women without Borders

10.30 – 12.00: 1st Panel

Shirin Tahir-Kheli, Senior Adviser to the Secretary of State for women’s empowerment, US State Department, Washington